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Understanding the different types of cables used in Cisco devices is crucial for effective networking. The choice of rollover cable types varies based on your network goals and the devices you’re connecting. To learn more about Cisco cables, keep reading!
For example, Cisco devices connect to other Cisco devices, servers, computers, and peripheral devices like printers and monitors using specific cables. Additionally, you’ll find helpful tips for selecting the right cable for your network and installation needs.
Coaxial Cable
A coaxial cable, or coax, consists of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer conducting shield. This type of cable serves various purposes, including computer networking, cable television, and radio communications.
To connect cable modem cards to the HFC network, use a headend-grade coaxial cable or a quad-shielded coaxial cable, as recommended by Cisco. Make sure the center conductor is straight and extends 1/8 inch beyond the connector’s end. While options like the 59-series quad shield and 6-series quad shield are available, prefer the 59-series for better performance.
Serial Cable
One type of cable used in Cisco devices is a serial cable, which connects devices that use a serial connection, such as a computer and a modem.
Serial cables typically come in RS-232 or RS-485 varieties. RS-232 cables are the most common and connect devices using an asynchronous serial connection. In contrast, RS-485 cables connect devices using a synchronous serial connection.
Rolled Cable
A rolled cable, also known as a rollover cable, resembles an Ethernet cable but serves a different purpose. It connects a computer to a Cisco console port and features 8 conductors with RJ-45 connectors on each end.
The rollover cable is wired so that the transmit pins on one end connect to the receive pins on the other end. Consequently, this wiring configuration allows you to link the console port of one Cisco device to the AUX port of another Cisco device.
Rolled cables of Cisco are used to manage Cisco routers and switches from the console port of those devices. In most cases, this cable is used when configuring these devices for the first time.
By using a DB9 to RJ45 adaptor, a rolled cable connects the PC’s serial port to the router or switch’s console port. A rolled cable connects Pin 1 to Pin 8 on the other end.
How to Identify RJ-45 Rollover Cables?
You can identify a rollover cable by holding the two ends together, with the tab facing the back. Ensure that the wire connected to the pin on the outside of the left-hand plug matches the color of the wire connected to the pin on the right-hand plug. Specifically, the color wiring is reversed on one connector: pins 1 and 8, 2 and 7, 3 and 6, 4 and 5, 5 and 4, 6 and 3, 7 and 2, and 8 and 1.
Crossover Cables
A crossover cable connects two computing devices directly. Use a crossover cable when a standard Ethernet cable cannot link two devices, such as connecting a computer to a printer.
The main difference between a crossover cable and a standard Ethernet cable lies in the wiring arrangement. Specifically, in a crossover cable, the transmit and receive signals cross over: the transmit signal on one end reaches the receive pin on the other end, and vice versa.
Thus, a crossover cable enables direct device-to-device connections without a hub or switch. You can use it to connect a PC directly to another PC or to link two switches. It always routes pins 1 and 2 to 3 and 6 and pins 3 and 6 to 1 and 2.
Console Cable
A console cable connects a Cisco device to a computer, allowing you to configure the device using a terminal emulator program. The cable features an RJ-45 connector on one end for the Cisco device and a DB-9 or DB-25 connector on the other end for the computer’s serial port.
Most Cisco devices include a built-in console port for this connection. You can also use an external console server to connect multiple devices simultaneously to the same computer with this cable.
STP Cable
One type of cable used in Cisco devices is STP cable, a shielded twisted pair cable. This cable often serves Ethernet networks. STP cable resists electromagnetic interference better than other cables, making it ideal for industrial environments.
STP cable consists of two twisted pairs of copper wires, each with a different function. The first pair transmits data, while the second pair receives data. STP cable commonly supports Ethernet networks and comes in various sizes, from patch cables to full-sized Ethernet cables.
Conclusion
Cabling plays an important role in installing or managing a network or device. Each cable serves a specific purpose, so understanding their types and uses is imperative. We hope this article helped you identify the purpose of each cable.
If you need to buy Cisco cables or you need help with the selection of the right Cisco cables for your network and devices,
Author: TechBlonHub
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